Four-cylinder turbo confirmed for new mid-engined convertible and coupe

Porsche Boxster and Cayman renamed

The Porsche Boxster and Cayman have been officially renamed, with the two-seat roadster and coupe pairing also receiving newly developed turbocharged four-cylinder engines as part of a mid-life facelift for both cars.

For the 2016 model year, the Boxster and Cayman will henceforth be known as the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman – the numeric reference recalling the name of the classic Porsche 718 race car built between 1957 and 1962.

The addition of a number to the model name brings the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman into line with other Porsche sportscar models, such as the 911 Carrera and 911 Targa. The new mid-engined models are planned to be revealed at the Geneva motor show in late February prior to going on sale in Australia during the second half of 2016.

In announcing the altered model names, Porsche also officially confirmed the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman would be available with a four-cylinder engine for the first time. This will make them first sportscars from Porsche to offer four-cylinder power since the 968 went out of production in 1995.

"The 718 model series is a continuation of the proven four-cylinder concept and the history of distinguished Porsche sports cars," Porsche said a statement which accompanied a series stylised line drawings released by the German car maker depicting the silhouette and model name badges of the facelifted mid-engined Boxster and Cayman.

Details to the new four-cylinder engine remain under wraps, though sources close to Porsche suggest the turbocharged 2.0-litre unit, which uses a horizontally opposed layout like that of the company's larger 3.0-litre engine recently launched in the 911, will be offered in two differing outputs: 195kW and 350Nm of torque in the base unit and 235kW and 400KW in a more highly tuned form.

The 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman will continue to offer six-cylinder power, but only in more performance orientated variants.